New Orleans means different things to different people.Just talk to five people and you’ll get five answers.Elusive.Like the spice in a gumbo.Like the scent of magnolias on a night breeze.Elusive.The French Quarter, the West Bank, Metairie, the Superdome, jazz, Old Metairie, Lakeview, Mardi Gras, the Marigny — a countless list of things cobbled together to make the most unique city in the country — those are some of the answers you’ll get.Now, there are lots of places in this country that I’ve never been to. Never had a reason to go. Never really wanted to live there, although I am certain they have much to offer and unique lifestyles. Most of them don’t have songs about them.But what is it about this city that draws you in and captures you? As a place to live, Uptown is perhaps one of the best known areas, though not the most populated.For those looking to put down roots in Uptown, there are more types of homes than red bean and rice recipes. Among the secret gardens and wrought-iron scroll work, there is much to offer.

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While Uptown may not scream “New Orleans” to you, its lilting melody can be heard in the sweet sounds of Crescent City music. And answering to the song are home buyers who find living somewhere else just isn’t going to be the same.As one local real estate agent noted, people who want to live in New Orleans, want to live in New Orleans, not somewhere else.No argument here.Or, put it another way.“Uptown has become more than just Uptown people looking here,” said Mat Berenson of LATTER & BLUM, Inc., Realtors. “It’s people coming from all over (the metro area) and from out of town.”

UPTOWN HAS ASSETSLet’s face it: Uptown has a lot going for it, a veritable ABCs of assets.Architecture of almost every kind can be found on the major and minor thoroughfares of the area. Greek Revival, Italianate, Mission, French Provincial and even contemporary dwellings rest in the shade of decades-old trees. Bastion of elegance that it is, Uptown also has a rough-around-the-edges quality that makes it livable and lively.Commercial endeavors throughout the Uptown area offer residents and visitors alike a singular experience of shopping, eateries and services.

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BUYERS LIKE THE AREARealtors report interest in the area is strong. One local brokerage firm reported increased sales in the area for June 2010 over June 2009.Helping to build those numbers are people coming back to the area who have been gone for some time.“People are returning to the city,” said Sylvia Roy of PRUDENTIAL GARDNER, Realtors. “The city does have a draw. The reason they gave for wanting to come back, they miss new Orleans. It’s really special.“I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”And when they return, they often want to journey back to the familiar. “If they lived Uptown before, they want to continue to live Uptown,” said Roy.Some buyers are from within the area itself, opting for bigger, newer or different digs, opting to stay close.“A lot of people are up-sizing, moving out of their starter homes,” said Elijah Feibelman of COLDWELL BANKER TEC Realtors. He also added there is interest among “quite a few young professionals relocating here.”

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Part of the wave of these professionals are students in the local medical schools, dental schools, law schools and other advanced education facilities that New Orleans has to offer. Some of the students are opting to purchase a home while in the area. And many have hopes of staying locally after graduation.

LOOKING FOR OPTIMUMAs with many areas of the greater metropolis, there are several options in the range of $200,000 to $300,000.

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Realtors note that many folks looking at the array of properties are seeking a “turn-key” dwelling — something they can move in, place the furniture and call it a day.“Most people are looking for properties that have been renovated and are in really good condition,” said Chris Mitchell of RE/MAX Real Estate Partners.Among those looking are retirees and vacationers looking for a second home. “Some of the activity in the condo market Uptown looks like people are buying vacation homes,” she said.While there are many pristine properties on the market in the Uptown area, there are also several homes on the market that might only require a bit of TLC. There are also properties that are veritable blank canvasses, waiting for the owner to create their own, personal masterpiece.Whatever the case, real estate professionals are upbeat about Uptown.

By Victor M. AndrewsSpecial Sections staff writerVictor Andrews can be reached at vandrews@timespicayune.com